Mach 4 hypersonic missile to give US Navy cheap long-range firepower

The US Navy has selected the Air-Launched Rapid Response Missile (ALRRM), developed by GuideTech—a subsidiary of Palladyne AI—as a new hypersonic weapon designed to deliver long-range strikes at speeds exceeding Mach 4 (about 3,069 mph). The missile will carry a 150-pound warhead over distances greater than 400 miles, targeting deep-strike missions while maintaining a compact size compatible with fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The ALRRM aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional hypersonic systems, which typically rely on expensive materials to withstand extreme aerothermal conditions. Unlike many hypersonic missiles that use rocket propulsion, the ALRRM employs an air-breathing solid fuel ramjet engine, allowing sustained high-speed cruise without onboard oxidizers. This design reduces weight and extends range, aligning with the US defense strategy emphasizing affordability alongside high performance. Palladyne AI highlights that the ALRRM’s combination of speed, range, payload, and compact